2019 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

MORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 11th November 2019 at 6.30pm.

15 minute public forum – no members of the public in attendance

In Attendance – Cllr Parry (Chair), Cllr Butroid, Cllr Youngman, Cllr Gott, Cllr Ward, Cllr Clews, PCSO Burnett, C.Graves (Clerk)

1. Apologies for absence – Cllr Allison, Cllr Bull, Cllr Panter, Cllr Rollings. Apologies noted and accepted

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 7th October 2019 – Approved by all Parish Councillors. Proposed as a true and accurate record by Cllr Butroid. Seconded Cllr Youngman. Master copy signed by Cllr Parry.

3. Declaration of Interests – no declarations of interest noted.

4. Matters Arising and Review of Outstanding Items

(a) Crime, Vandalism and Anti-Social Behaviour – PCSO Burnett was welcomed to the meeting by Chair. He reported that there had been issues in the more rural areas with quad bike activity. There had been several reported incidents of a dog loose near Field Lane. The owner had received advice from the police regarding muzzling and ensuring the dog is unable to escape from the property. PCSO Burnett provided print out of crime statistics. Cllr Parry thanked PCSO Burnett for his attendance and report.

(b) Councillor’s Updates

- Cllr Clews reported that the Remembrance Service at the All Saints Parish Church had been a success which included a cascade of poppies display. It was suggested that next year St Pauls Church could be included in a similar display.

- Following recent flooding Cllr Clews requested a representative from the Council to sit on the Flood Committee. Cllr Parry would attend although it was agreed that any Councillor could represent MPC depending on the dates of the meeting. Cllr Clews to forward details to Clerk. Following a request from Cllr Rollings, Cllr Parry asked that any problems arising from issues with flooding be emailed to Clerk who could forward to Cllr Rollings. Cllr Clew and PCSO Burnett left the meeting at 6.50pm

(c) SID Signage/Speed Watch Survey – Date to be arranged for installation. Clerk to liaise with UniPart Dorman.

(d) Bus Shelter on Walkerith Road – Quote received from Skuma Timba. Clerk awaiting additional specifications in order to apply for grant.

(e) Bench Cross/South Street – Ongoing.

(f) Pavements – Letter has been submitted to LCC Highways department highlighting issues with poor condition of pavements and lack of disabled access, this also included poor visibility at co-op supermarket entrance.

(g) Parking QEHS/Morton Road – Objections submitted.

5. Neighbourhood Planning – A drop in session had taken place on Saturday 9th November. Next Neighbourhood Planning meeting to be held on 27th November. Councillors were requested to refer to the website https://ragegainsborough.co.uk where they could view Gainsborough’s draft plan and supporting documents as Morton did feature. The consultation period ends 17th December.

6. Accounts - Review and Agree Outstanding Accounts

Clerk distributed financial statement for November. Proposed Cllr Ward. Seconded Cllr Youngman.

(a) Precept Estimate 2020/21 – Clerk distributed forecast and discussion took place where potential savings could be made. However, it was noted that there had been an increase in costs including grass cutting and a decrease in income from playing field. Chair recommended that any request for an increase in precept was kept to a minimum. Clerk to email out revised figures.

7. Burial Ground

(a) Update and resolve any action to be taken – no update.

8. Planning Matters – no planning applications received.

(a) Proposed Storage Lagoon – planning application withdrawn. Councillors to monitor situation with Whites lorries and feedback any issues.

9. Playing Field and School Facilities

(a) Resolution School Shared Agreement – Discussion took place regarding future invoices. Cllr Parry to liaise with Clerk ensuring that we are charged only for the rooms used/weeks played and any training sessions. Invoice 001 for utility costs outstanding from previous year.

Cllr Parry shared correspondence received from resident of Southlands Drive in relation to damaged fence.

Cllr Parry reported the accidental damage to artificial cricket wicket. This would be repaired prior to the 2020 cricket season by DWG Groundcare.

(b) Playing Field Association – no update.

10. Future Meeting Dates 2020 – It was agreed the following dates be set for 2020.

January 20th, February 24th, March 30th, May 4th, June 8th, July 13th, August 17th, September 21st, October 25th, November 30th.

As attendance/correspondence has greatly reduced over the years from village organisations for the annual Parish meeting it was agreed by all that the annual Parish meeting would commence at 6.30pm followed by the Parish council meeting.

11. Items for Inclusion on the next Agenda – Any agenda items to be email to Clerk prior to next meeting.

12. Closed Session - Council resolved to exclude the public and press and go into closed session, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, to allow consideration to be given to Clerk’s salary. It was resolved to award the Clerk a salary increase of 3% with effect from 1st November 2019.

13. Date and Time of Next Meeting – Monday 16th December 2019 at 6.30pm.

The meeting closed at 7.50pm.